Arson Prevention Program for Children

A child's fascination with fire begins at an early age. Fire-play or fire-setting can be devastating. If you have concerns about your child, call the Arson Prevention Program for Children (TAPP-C). We're here to help at 604-476-3051.

Facts About Fire-PlayIf your child is involved in fire-play or fire-setting you are not alone. Many children have a fascination with fire. It is important to understand that while curiosity about fire is natural, fire-play can be dangerous. In fact, fire is a leading cause of death among children in the home. Unfortunately, many youngsters start the very fires that injure or kill themselves or others.

What is Fire-Play?Fire-play can be many things:

playing with matches or lighters

playing with the toaster, stove or furnace

burning items such as toys, paper or garbage

setting a fire to destroy something or hurt someone

Things to Watch ForIf you notice any of the following, your child may be involved in fire-play:

matches or lighters go missing

matches or lighters are found among your child's belongings

there are burn marks on household items or your child's clothing or possessions

your child is extremely interested in fire

Help is AvailableFire-setting presents an enormous risk to children, their families and the community. Fire involvement can be a sign of other problems in a child's life. It can start at any age. Fire-play can start out small and progress to larger and more serious fires that threaten the safety of the child and the family. It's important that you deal with any fire involvement immediately. That's where TAPP-C comes in.

TAPP-C Program
TAPP-C is a program that brings together fire service and counseling professionals to help families deal effectively with children and teens involved in fire-play. The fire services professionals educate children and their families about fire and how to develop good fire safety practices. Counseling professionals assess the risk of continued fire involvement and help children and their families deal with problems that may contribute to the fire-setting. TAPP-C is free of charge and is available to children from 2 to 17 years of age.

Keep Your Child Safe from Fire
You can help to protect your child and family from fire by following these fire safety tips:

make sure that young children are supervised at all times

keep matches and lighters locked away where children cannot get them

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside sleeping area. Test them regularly